A 19th-century fresco of Jesus Christ has hung in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in northeastern Spain for more than 100 years. But parishioners are reeling after the beloved painting was found defaced. What was first called a case of vandalism has since been identified as one of the worst art restoration projects ever.

A 19th-century fresco of Jesus Christ has hung in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in northeastern Spain for more than 100 years. But parishioners are reeling after the beloved painting was found defaced. What was first called a case of vandalism has since been identified as one of the worst art restoration projects ever.